Glass panel assembly for a roof of a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongate lighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface and the interior main surface of the glass panel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is coupled to the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element. The lighting device is configured to directly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment.

BACKGROUND

The discussion below is merely provided for general backgroundinformation and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining thescope of the claimed subject matter.

The invention relates to a glass panel assembly for a vehicle roof andto a method for manufacturing such a glass panel assembly. Inparticular, the invention relates to providing a lighting device on theglass panel assembly.

Glass panels for use in a vehicle roof are commonly known. For example,a glass plate-like closure member may be moveably provided over anopening in the vehicle roof. The closure member may be tilted to providefor a tilted position, e.g. suitable for ventilation purposes, wherein arear side edge portion of the closure member is tilted out of a plane ofthe vehicle roof. From the tilted position, the closure member may beslid over another part of the vehicle roof, uncovering the opening inthe roof.

It is known to provide a lighting element in such a glass panelassembly. For example, it is known to provide a light guide in a framepart such as a guide frame of a sunshade. Further, it is known toprovide light in a light conductive layer of a layered glass panel,wherein the light is then spread in such light conductive layer and iscoupled out into a passenger compartment of the vehicle by a patternedstructure provided on a surface of the light conductive layer.

While the above-mentioned known lighting solutions may provide for asuitable interior lighting effect, these known solutions may beundesirable. For example, with a light conductive layer it may proofrelatively difficult and complex to achieve a uniform light spread,while the use of a light guide in a frame part requires additionalspace.

Another known solution embeds a light conductive part, e.g. a lightguide, in a foamed or injection-moulded backing on a glass panel, whilea cavity is provided in the backing for mounting a light source. Such anarrangement may be cost-effective and simple. Such embedding of thelight conductive part in the backing requires to apply the backing on orover the light conductive part. During such embedding a surface of thelight conductive part is easily damaged. Any damage to a surface of thelight conductive part however will negatively affect the lightout-coupling and thus the appearance of the light in the vehiclepassenger compartment. Moreover, the appearance and finish of thebacking may be difficult to control with such a sensitive part present,thus requiring expensive and safe finish treatment during manufacturing.

SUMMARY

This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introduce aselection of concepts in a simplified form that are further describedbelow in the Detailed Description. This Summary and the Abstract are notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor are they intended to be used as an aid indetermining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subjectmatter is not limited to implementations that solve any or alldisadvantages noted in the Background.

A glass panel assembly comprises a glass panel, a frame and an elongatelighting device. The glass panel comprises an interior main surface,which interior main surface is configured to be directed to a passengercompartment of the vehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior mainsurface and comprises a shaped element. The shaped element is one of arecess and a protrusion. The elongate lighting device is mechanicallyretained and held in position at the frame by a mating shape engagingthe shaped element. Further, the lighting device is configured todirectly illuminate at least a part of the passenger compartment of thevehicle.

In accordance with an inventive concept of the present invention, thelighting device is mounted on the frame, such as a foamed orinjection-moulded backing, by engaging a mating shape of the lightingdevice with a shaped element of the frame. So, as used herein, a frameis not required to support the glass panel. The term ‘frame’ is intendedto refer to any kind of structure adhered to the glass panel. Of course,the frame may be intended and configured to support the glass panel orto increase rigidity of the glass panel, but the frame may as well onlyhave an aesthetic function or a protective function, for example. Thelighting device thus is mounted on the interior main surface of theglass panel, requiring only a small height, i.e. space. If the glasspanel is moveably arranged, the lighting device moves with the glasspanel.

The frame is separately applied and adhered on the glass panel. Theadherence of the frame may be achieved directly or indirectly. Forexample, if the frame comprises a rigid support element, like a metal orplastic element, the rigid support element may be indirectly adhered byuse of an adhesive. If the frame is at least partially formed by a curedpolymer-based composition, like a foamed or injection-moulded backing,the frame may be formed on the glass panel as known in the art, therebydirectly adhering to the glass panel. In another embodiment, the framemay be formed by a rigid support element embedded in the curedpolymer-based composition, wherein the cured, polymer-based compositionmay be used for adhering the rigid support element to the glass panel orthe rigid support may be first adhered to the glass panel and thenembedded in the polymer-based composition upon application of thepolymer-based composition.

By providing a suitably shaped element on or in the frame, the elongatelighting device may be easily mechanically coupled to the interior mainsurface of the glass panel by use of the mating shape. The shapedelement and the mating shape provide for a mechanical coupling forholding the mating shape in position, e.g. by a clamping force or anyother mechanical retaining force using e.g. a clipping arrangement or aform-fitting arrangement. The mating shape is coupled to the shapedelement after the shaped element has been formed. The mating shape andthe shaped element may be coupled to each other by application of apressing/pushing force, whereby flexibility of one or both of the shapedelement and the mating shape results in a fitting of the shaped elementand the mating shape. When fitted, a mechanically retaining force keepsthe shaped element and the mating shape in position. Still, in anembodiment, the mating shape may be detachably held by the shapedelement. For example, applying a large force exceeding a force exertedunder normal operational conditions may result in a release of themating shape from the shaped element, depending on the shapes of theshaped element and the mating shape.

The mating shape may be the shape of an optical element comprised in thelighting device or the mating shape may be the shape of a dedicated partof the lighting device. The shaped element and the mating shape havesuch a shape that when they are in engagement, the lighting device issufficiently fixed in position and the shape and the mating shape remainin their mutual relative position under normal operational conditions,e.g. driving conditions of the vehicle, as above described. For example,a form-fitting arrangement may be applied or a high friction between theshaped element and the mating shape (i.e. clamping) may be provided. Anyother suitable shape providing resistance to movement between the frameand the lighting device may be applied equally well. A person skilled inthe art will readily understand the possibilities for providing asuitable shape for the shaped element and a corresponding shape for themating shape.

Thus, the sensitive optical elements of the lighting device areprevented from being subjected to potentially damaging manufacturingsteps. The frame is first adhered to the glass panel and, in a laterstep, the lighting device is easily coupled to the frame.

The lighting device is arranged and configured to directly illuminate atleast a part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The passengercompartment of the vehicle is an interior space of the vehicle, whichinterior space is configured and intended for accommodating a driver orany passengers, excluding any recesses or spaces that are, on the onehand, in open contact with such passenger compartment but, on the otherhand, are not intended for passengers to access in normal use. Directlyilluminate, as used herein, is intended to indicate that a substantialportion of light rays emitted from the lighting device arrives in thepassenger compartment for illuminating the passenger compartment. In thewords, there are no further elements required or needed, either insideor outside the passenger compartment, for functionally illuminating thepassenger compartment such as a reflecting element or any other elementto bend light rays into the passenger compartment to prevent a loss oflight and to reduce an amount of space needed for the lighting device.Of course, if so desired, the lighting device as used in the presentinvention may comprise any optically functional element for shaping abundle of light rays emitted from a light source.

In an embodiment, the rigid support element comprises an elongate recessand the rigid support element is embedded in the cured polymer-basedcomposition such that the elongate recess is open and forms the shapedelement of the frame. For example, the rigid support element may beprovided with a C-shaped portion in its cross-section, thereby providingan open channel along its length. Embedding the C-shaped portion in thepolymer-based composition without covering the opening of the C-shapedportion provides an open recessed channel as a shaped element. A lightguide may be arranged in the recessed channel. The opening of theC-shaped portion allows light to leave the open channel and illuminatethe part of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the shape of therecessed channel is adapted to the lighting device and in particular tothe mating shape of the lighting device. For example, the C-shape andmating shape may be mutually adapted to provide for a clamping force. Inanother example, a retention portion may be provided in the recessedchannel such that the mating shape may be pushed through the opening ofthe C-shaped portion and beyond the retention portion. The retentionportion then prevents the mating portion to move back out of therecessed channel. The person skilled in the art readily understands thatmany other possible shapes are available and suitable for achieving aretention function between the shaped element and the mating shape.

An inner surface of the C-shaped portion may be adapted to support thelighting function and to support the lighting device in its lightingfunction. For example, if the lighting device comprises a light guidethat is to be arranged in the recessed channel formed by the C-shapedportion, the inner surface of the channel may be treated to bereflective such to reflect any light towards the opening of the channeland thus towards the passenger compartment.

In the above example, a recessed open channel is described. The presentinvention is however not limited to such embodiment. The rigid supportelement may as well provide for a local recess, in which a pin-likemating shape may be retained. In another embodiment, the shaped elementof the frame may be a protruding pin-like element, wherein the matingshape comprises a recess configured to mate with the pin-likeprotrusion.

Generically, in an embodiment, the shaped element is elongated andextends along a length direction of at least a part of the frame. Thismay be achieved using a rigid support element as above described or thismay be achieved by selecting a suitable shape of an outer surface of aframe formed by the cured polymer-based composition. For example, anelongate recess, like a recessed open channel, may be provided in theframe along a length direction of at least a part of the frame or anelongated protrusion, such as a protruding rib, may be formed on theframe along a length direction of at least a part of the frame. It isnoted that the frame formed by a cured polymer-based composition mayeasily be provided with many different shapes in or on its surface dueto the inherent flexibility in the manufacturing and application of sucha frame.

In a particular embodiment, the shaped element is an elongated recessextending between the interior main surface and the frame along a lengthdirection of at least a part of the frame. The shaped element is formedsuch that the mating shape of the lighting device couples and isretained in an elongate recess formed between the frame and the glasspanel. This may be desirable in order to achieve a minimum height forthe lighting function. In this embodiment, additional features may beapplied. For example, a reflective layer may be applied on the interiormain surface of the glass panel in the elongate recess to reflect lighttowards the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the shaped element and the mating shape have acorresponding shape to provide for a form-fitting engagement. As abovedescribed, many shapes may be suitable for providing the retainingfunction. A preferred embodiment may be a form-fitting shape of theshaped element and the mating shape, as apparent to those skilled in theart.

As above described as an exemplary embodiment, the elongate lightingdevice may comprise an elongate light guide, e.g. having a light sourcelike an LED at an end thereof for providing light in the light guide. Insuch embodiment of the lighting device, the shaped element may be arecess and the elongate light guide may be clamped in such recess.

In an embodiment, the elongate lighting device comprises a carrier andthe carrier comprises a coupling element. The coupling element isprovided with the mating shape. The carrier may take many forms. Forexample, the carrier may comprise a cover and a lighting element, like alight guide, is held in the carrier. The carrier is then provided withthe mating shape to couple to the frame and be retained in thatposition.

In an embodiment, the elongate lighting device comprises an array oflight sources and a diffusing element arranged between the array oflight sources and the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Instead of alight guide as above mentioned, the lighting device may comprise aflexible or rigid substrate with a number of e.g. LED's (or similarsmall light sources). To provide for a uniform light distribution, theindividual light spots of the individual light sources may be diffusedby application of a diffusing element. Still, the present invention isnot limited to a lighting device providing a uniform light distribution.So, within the scope of the present invention, individual light spotsmay be provided as well, if so desired.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method ofmanufacturing a glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle. Themethod comprises the steps of providing a glass panel comprising aninterior main surface, wherein the interior main surface of the glasspanel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of thevehicle; adhering a frame to the interior main surface, wherein theframe comprises a shaped element, the shaped element being one of arecess and a protrusion; providing an elongate lighting device, whereinthe lighting device comprises a mating shape; and engaging the matingshape of the elongate lighting device with the shaped element to couplethe elongate lighting device to the frame such to mount the elongatelighting device on the glass panel. The lighting device is configuredto, when mounted, directly illuminate at least a part of said passengercompartment.

In a third aspect of the present invention, an elongate lighting deviceis provided. The lighting device comprises a carrier and the carriercomprises a coupling element. The coupling element comprises a matingshape, wherein the mating shape is configured to be engaged with ashaped element of a frame of a glass panel assembly for mounting andretaining the elongate lighting device on the interior main surface ofthe glass panel assembly. Such an elongate lighting device may beseparately supplied to a car manufacturer for mounting on the glasspanel assembly and may even be separately sold to replace a defectivelighting device or to provide for a customizable lighting effect. Withthe simple and easy coupling and retaining mechanism, the lightingdevice is indeed easily replaceable to enable customization.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a glass panelassembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, wherein the glass panelassembly comprises a glass panel and a frame. The glass panel comprisesan interior main surface, wherein the interior main surface of the glasspanel is configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of thevehicle. The frame is adhered to the interior main surface and comprisesa shaped element. The shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusionand is configured for engaging a mating shape of an elongate lightingdevice for mounting the lighting device on the interior main surface,wherein the lighting device is configured to directly illuminate atleast a part of said passenger compartment. In an embodiment, the glasspanel assembly may further comprise an electrical connector for anelectrical connection to the lighting device such to supply electricalpower to the lighting device. For example, the glass panel assemblyaccording to the fourth aspect may be configured to receive a lightingdevice according to the third aspect of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given byway of illustration only, since various changes and modifications withinthe scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from this detailed description with reference to the appendedschematical drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a vehicle roof with an open roofassembly;

FIG. 1B shows an exploded view of the open roof assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A shows a bottom view of a glass panel for use in a glass panelassembly;

FIG. 2B shows a detailed view of a part of the bottom view of the glasspanel of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a glass panelassembly;

FIG. 3B shows a detailed view of a part of the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows a detailed view of a part of the cross-sectional view ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a glasspanel assembly;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a glasspanel assembly;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a glasspanel assembly;

FIG. 7A shows a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of a glasspanel assembly;

FIG. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of a glasspanel assembly;

FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of a glasspanel assembly; and

FIG. 8B shows a further cross-sectional view of the seventh embodimentalong line B-B as shown in FIG. 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference tothe accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals have beenused to identify the same or similar elements throughout the severalviews.

FIG. 1A illustrates a vehicle roof 1 having an open roof assemblyarranged therein. The open roof assembly comprises a moveable panel 2 aand a fixed panel 2 b. The moveable panel 2 a is also referred to as aclosure member, since the moveable panel 2 a is moveable over a firstroof opening 3 a such to enable to open and to close the first roofopening 3 a. A wind deflector 4 is arranged at a front side of the firstroof opening 3 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the moveable panel 2 a may be in a closedposition, which is a position wherein the moveable panel 2 a is arrangedover and closes the first roof opening 3 a and thus usually is arrangedin a plane of the vehicle roof 1. Further, the moveable panel 2 a may bein a tilted position, which is a position wherein a rear end RE of themoveable panel 2 a is raised as compared to the closed position, while afront end FE of the moveable panel 2 a is still in the closed position.Further, the moveable panel 2 a may be in an open position, which is aposition wherein the moveable panel 2 a is slid open and the first roofopening 3 a is partly or completely exposed.

It is noted that the illustrated vehicle roof 1 corresponds to apassenger car. The present invention is however not limited to passengercars. Any other kind of vehicles that may be provided with a moveablepanel are contemplated as well.

FIG. 1B illustrates the same vehicle roof as shown in FIG. 1A havingpanels 2 a and 2 b. In particular, while FIG. 1A shows the open roofassembly in the open position, FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the openroof assembly in a closed position. Further, in this exploded view ofFIG. 1B, it is shown that there is a second roof opening 3 b. The firstand second roof openings 3 a, 3 b are provided in a frame 5 of the openroof assembly. An edge 5 a of the frame 5 defines the first roof opening3 a.

The second roof opening 3 b is arranged under the fixed panel 2 b suchthat light may enter a vehicle passenger compartment through the fixedpanel 2 b, presuming that the fixed panel 2 b is a glass panel or asimilarly transparent panel, for example made of a plastic material orany other suitable material. The second roof opening 3 b with atransparent or translucent fixed panel 2 b is optional and may beomitted in another embodiment of the open roof assembly.

The wind deflector 4 is commonly a flexible material, e.g. a woven ornon-woven cloth having through holes arranged therein or a web or net.The flexible material is supported by a support structure 4 a, e.g. abar-like or tube-like structure, which structure is hingedly coupled,directly or indirectly, to the frame 5 at a hinge 4 b.

The wind deflector 4 is arranged in front of the first roof opening 3 aand adapts air flow when the moveable panel 2 a is in the open position.In its raised position, the wind deflector 4 reduces inconvenient noisedue to air flow during driving. When the moveable panel 2 a is in theclosed position or in the tilted position, the wind deflector 4 is helddown below the front end FE of the moveable panel 2 a.

Usually, the wind deflector 4 is raised by a spring force when themoveable panel 2 a slides to an open position and the wind deflector 4is pushed down by the moveable panel 2 a when the moveable panel 2 aslides back into its closed position. In FIG. 1A, the moveable panel 2 ais shown in an open position and the wind deflector 4 is shown in araised position. In FIG. 1B, the moveable panel 2 a is shown in a closedposition and the wind deflector 4 is correspondingly shown in a positionin which it is held down.

FIG. 1B further illustrates a drive assembly having a first guideassembly 6 a, a second guide assembly 6 b, a first drive cable 7 and asecond drive cable 8. The first and second guide assemblies 6 a, 6 b arearranged on respective side ends SE of the moveable panel 2 a and mayeach comprise a guide and a mechanism. The guide is coupled to the frame5, while the mechanism comprises moveable parts and is slideablymoveable in the guide. The first and the second drive cables 7, 8 areprovided between the mechanisms of the respective guide assemblies 6 a,6 b and a drive motor 9.

The drive cables 7, 8 couple the drive motor 9 to the mechanisms of therespective guide assemblies 6 a, 6 b such that upon operating the drivemotor 9, the mechanisms start to move. In particular, a core of thedrive cable 7, 8 is moved by the drive motor 9 such to push or pull onthe mechanisms of the respective guides 6 a, 6 b. Such a drive assemblyis well known in the art and is therefore not further elucidated herein.Still, any other suitable drive assembly may be employed as well withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Moreover, in aparticular embodiment, a drive motor may be operatively arranged betweenthe respective guides and the respective mechanisms of the guideassemblies 6 a, 6 b and, in such embodiment, a drive assembly may beomitted completely.

In the illustrated embodiment, the guide assemblies 6 a, 6 b may startmovement with raising the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2 a, therebybringing the moveable panel 2 a in the tilted position. Then, from thetilted position, the guide assemblies 6 a, 6 b may start to slide tobring the moveable panel 2 a in the open position. The present inventionis however not limited to such embodiment. For example, in anotherembodiment, the moveable panel 2 a may be moveable to a tilted positionby raising the rear end RE, while an open position is reached by firstlowering the rear end RE and then sliding the moveable panel 2 a underthe fixed panel 2 b or any other structure or element provided behindthe rear end RE of the moveable panel 2 a. In further exemplaryembodiments, the moveable panel 2 a may be merely moveable between aclosed position and a tilted position or between a closed position andan open position.

In the illustrated embodiment, the drive motor 9 is mounted near orbelow the front end FE of the moveable panel 2 a at a recess 10. Inanother embodiment, the drive motor 9 may be positioned at any othersuitable position or location. For example, the drive motor 9 may bearranged near or below the rear end RE of the moveable panel 2 a orbelow the fixed panel 2 b.

A control unit 11 is schematically illustrated and is operativelycoupled to the drive motor 9. The control unit 11 may be any kind ofprocessing unit, either a software controlled processing unit or adedicated processing unit, like an ASIC, as well known to those skilledin the art. The control unit 11 may be a stand-alone control unit or itmay be operatively connected to another control unit, like amultipurpose, generic vehicle control unit. In yet another embodiment,the control unit 11 may be embedded in or be part of such a genericvehicle control unit. Essentially, the control unit 11 may be embodiedby any control unit suitable for, capable of and configured forperforming operation of the drive motor 9 and thus the moveable roofassembly.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates a bottom view of a moveablyarrangeable glass panel 2 a, which view shows an interior main surface20 of the glass panel 2 a. The interior main surface 20 is provided withan adhered frame 22 arranged at a perimeter of the glass panel 2 a. Forexample, the frame 22 may be formed from a polyurethane (PU) foamed orinjection moulded composition, which is applied in a liquid state and iscured on the interior main surface 20 of the glass panel 2 a. In the PUbacking, an element such as a metal frame element may be provided forincreasing a stiffness of the glass panel 2 a or for mounting elementsto the glass panel 2 a. Further, the PU backing may be used to providean aesthetic finish to the glass panel 2 a.

It is noted that the present invention is not limited to the use of a PUcomposition based frame. For example, the PU composition may bealternatively or additionally be composed of another polymer-based andcurable composition that is applied and adhered to the glass panel 2 a.Additionally or alternatively, the frame 22 may be formed by or comprisea stiff structure, like a metal or plastic structure, as abovementioned. Further, the frame 22 may be formed of a single element, suchas the cured PU composition or a stiff and adhered structural element,or may comprise multiple elements either directly coupled to each otheror indirectly coupled to each other e.g. through the adherence of theindividual elements to the glass panel 2 a.

As is elucidated hereinbelow in more detail, a lighting device iscoupled to the frame 22. Thereto, a cover part like a plastic cover part24 may be provided. The cover part 24 may be coupled to the frame 22 andmay be configured and arranged to cover an electrical connector forconnecting a power supply line to the lighting device.

A corner section B of the glass panel 2 a is shown in more detail inFIG. 2B. In the corner section, the cover part 24 is provided. Betweenthe cover part 24 and the glass panel 2 a, a PU backing may have beenomitted to provide for a space for an electrical connection to thelighting device. A panel connector 26 may be arranged on top of theframe 22, with an electrically conductive wiring to the electricalconnector covered by the cover part 24. The panel connector 26 may beconfigured to connect to an electrically conductive wiring coupled to abody of a vehicle for receiving electrical power from a vehicle battery,for example. Similarly, control signals may be provided for controllinga lighting effect of the lighting device, if the lighting devicesupports multiple lighting effects. It is apparent to those skilled inthe art that an electrical connection may be provided for many purposesand further elaboration of optional electrical connections is thereforefurther omitted herein. Further, it is contemplated that the panelconnector 26 is directly connected to the lighting device such that thecover part 24 merely covers a channel for an electrical wiring betweenthe panel connector 26 and the lighting device.

FIG. 3A illustrates a guide assembly 6 mounted in a vehicle roof 1. Themoveably arranged glass panel 2 a is substantially flush with thevehicle roof 1 and is supported by the guide assembly 6. The guideassembly 6 is arranged in and coupled to a guide 30, which guide frame30 is coupled to a body of the vehicle. On the interior main surface 20of the glass panel 2 a, the frame 22 is attached, wherein the frame 22comprises a cured PU based composition 221 and a rigid support element222, e.g. a metal frame element. An acoustic seal 32 is arranged betweenthe guide frame 30 and the frame 22. A flexible sunshade web 34 issupported and guided by the guide frame 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, a lighting device 36 is arranged in a shapedelement, in particular a recess 223, of the frame 22. The recess 223 issuitably formed in the cured polymer-based PU composition 221.Manufacturing steps for providing a cured polymer-based composition 221with a shaped element, in particular the recess 223, are known in theart and are not further elucidated herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates the frame 22 with the recess 223 as manufactured. Inaccordance with an aspect of the present invention, during themanufacturing, the lighting device 36 is not present and thus is notsubjected to potential damage like surface scratches, or the like, thatwould significantly deteriorate the appearance of the illumination inthe vehicle.

The shaped element comprises the recess 223 and further comprises aretaining portion 224. The retaining portion 224 is formed by thepolymer-based composition 221 and provides for a narrowed opening to therecess 223. The retaining portion 224 has a predetermined flexibilityallowing to push a mating shape of a lighting device into the recess 223after which the mating shape is mechanically retained in the recess 223by the retaining portion 224.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the lighting device 36 comprises acylindrically shaped light conductive element, such as a light guide.The light guide 36 may be a single light-conductive rod or may be abundle of light guiding rods in a flexible sleeve or may be embodied inany other suitable shape or form. If the cross-sectional shape of thelight conductive element is not circular, the cross-sectional shape ofthe recess 223 may be adapted to such shape of the light conductiveelement, although the cross-sectional shapes of the light conductiveelement 36 and of the recess 223 are not required to be identical.Functionally it is preferred that the light conductive element 36 mayeasily be pushed into the recess 223 such that light is coupled out,preferably uniformly, through the opening to the passenger compartmentof the vehicle, while the light conductive element 36 is mechanicallyretained in the recess 223.

Returning to FIG. 3A, the panel connector 26 is arranged in a void spacethat is not visible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Anelectrical wiring 28 is provided for the electrical connection to apower supply, for example, as above described and as further elucidatedhereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

In the first embodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, the lighting device 36 isarranged between the frame 22 and the glass panel 2 a. While thelighting device 36 is arranged such that a substantial portion of theemitted light directly illuminates the passenger compartment, anotherportion of the emitted light may pass through the glass panel 2 a. Toprevent light shining through the glass panel 2 a, a coating or othersimilar layer (not shown), preferably a reflective coating or layer, mayoptionally be provided on the interior main surface 20 to reflect anylight emitted in the direction of the interior main surface 20 into thepassenger compartment of the vehicle. As known in the art, if the glasspanel 2 a is a multilayer panel, such a coating or layer may be providedat an interlayer of the multilayer panel instead of at the interior mainsurface 20.

Further, as known in the art, applying the liquid polymer-basedcomposition on the interior main surface 20 during manufacturing mayresult in a very thin layer of the composition forming an uneven edge atthe glass panel 2 a. Such a thin layer commonly is cut away aftercuring. Such cutting is an additional manufacturing step, which addscosts and consumes time. In the first embodiment, such a thin layer atthe edge will be arranged in the recess 223 and will not be visibleafter mounting the lighting device 36. Hence, a manufacturing step maybe omitted, thereby reducing costs.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second embodiment, wherein the lighting device 36is arranged in a recess in the frame 22. Compared to the firstembodiment of FIGS. 3A-3C, the recess is formed completely in and by thecured polymer-based composition 221 and not by the interior main surface20. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the recess isformed during manufacturing of the frame 22 and the lighting device 36is arranged in the recess in a later manufacturing step.

FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment, wherein a reflective layer 225 isprovided in the recess 223. The reflective layer 225 may be provided toimprove an amount of light output to the passenger compartment of thevehicle, as the reflective layer 225 may prevent light being absorbed inthe cured polymer-based composition 221 of the frame 22. The reflectivelayer 225 may be a coating or may be a physical layer arranged in therecess 223, e.g. adhered by a suitable adhesive, or the like, aftermanufacturing the recess 223 in the cured composition 221.

In a fourth embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the recess 223 is provided inan elongate rigid support element 226, e.g. an extruded aluminiumstructure. The elongate rigid support element 226 may be first adheredto the interior main surface 20 of the glass panel 2 a, e.g. by anadhesive or a tape, and then the polymer composition 221 is applied. Inan embodiment, the rigid support element 226 may be combined with therigid support element 222 or there may be two rigid support elements222, 226 as shown. In another embodiment, the first rigid supportelement 222 may be omitted.

The elongate rigid support element 226 provides not only the recess 223,but also provides the retaining portion 224 and may provide for areflective inner surface of the recess 223 by suitable selection of thematerial of the elongate rigid support element 226 or by application ofa reflective coating or any other suitable layer (cf. reflective layer225 in the third embodiment).

FIG. 7A illustrates a fifth embodiment, in which a carrier 361, acoupling element 362 and a lighting element 363 together form a lightingdevice 36. The carrier 361 may be a metal or plastic element, forexample, with a desired aesthetic look for a desired finish. The carrier361 is provided with the coupling element 362, which has the matingshape for coupling to the shaped element, i.e. recess 223, of the frame22. An opening to the recess 223 is narrowed by a suitable retainingportion 224 such to retain the coupling element 362 in the recess 223.Further, the carrier 361 supports and holds the lighting element 363,which may be a light conductive element as shown in combination with thefirst to fourth embodiments and as shown in FIG. 7A.

The lighting device 36 as used in the fifth embodiment is applied afterthe frame 22 has been provided on the interior main surface 20 of theglass panel 2 a. The coupling element 362 may then be pushed into therecess 223 for coupling to the lighting device 36 to the frame 22.Additionally, further shaped elements, like a recess or a protrusion,may be provided for a further coupling between the lighting device 36and the frame 22 of the fifth embodiment. Also additionally, the carrier361 may also be adhered to the interior main surface 20, e.g. to preventvibration against the interior main surface 20 which could lead to noiseduring normal operational conditions, i.e. during driving.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7A, the coupling element 362 ispushed in the recess 223 of the frame 22 in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the interior main surface 20. In normal operationalconditions, this direction of coupling corresponds to a direction ofgravity. Therefore, the shape of the shaped element 223 and the matingshape of the coupling element 362 need to be designed such that forcesof gravity and inertia can be sufficiently counteracted in order toretain the coupling element 362 in the recess 223. In anotherembodiment, the direction of coupling may be in another direction, e.g.substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity and/or adirection substantially parallel to the interior main surface 20, whichmay alleviate a retaining force requirement.

FIG. 7B illustrates a sixth embodiment, which is similar to the fifthembodiment except for the lighting element 363. In the sixth embodiment,a light diffusing element 364 is arranged between a light source 365 andthe passenger compartment of the vehicle. In particular, the lightsource 365 may be an array of light sources such as an elongated stripwith a row of LED's arranged thereon. The diffusing element 364 may beprovided to spread the light from the LED's such to obfuscate theindividual LED light sources and generate a perception of a singleelongated light source, as known in the art.

A seventh embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8A. In the seventhembodiment, the lighting device 36 comprises the carrier 361 and thecoupling element 362 similar to the fifth and sixth embodiments. Thelighting element used in the seventh embodiment comprises a lightconductive element 366 such as a light guide as described in relation tothe first to fifth embodiments. Further, an optical element 367 isprovided. The optical element 367 may be a clear transparent element, alens element, a diffusing element, a light conductive element, or thelike. Further, the optical element 367 may have one or more reflectingsurfaces. For example, as illustrated, one surface of the opticalelement 367 is arranged parallel to and against the interior mainsurface 20. To prevent inadvertent light loss, such surface of theoptical element 367 may be provided with a reflective coating. Dependingon the particular embodiment, the optical element 367 may also beprovided with surfaces arranged such to provide for total internalreflection for preventing light loss and/or directing light in a desireddirection. Essentially, any optical feature or measure may be embodiedin the optical element 367.

Further, FIG. 8A shows the panel connector 26 and the electrical wiring28 similar to the panel connector 26 and the electrical wiring 28 of thefirst embodiment as shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 8B shows a furthercross-sectional view along line B-B as indicated in FIG. 8A.

In FIG. 8B, the glass panel 2 a, the cured polymer composition 221, therigid support element 222, the panel connector 26, the electrical wiring28 and the guide frame 30 are shown. As apparent, the electrical wiring28 is shown in a relatively large bend. Thus, the electrical wiring 28is free to move with the glass panel 2 a. The glass panel 2 a ismoveably arranged as described in relation to and shown in FIG. 1A,although the present invention may be employed in combination with afixed panel as well. When the glass panel 2 a is moved, the electricalwiring 28 needs to be able to follow the glass panel 2 a and should notobstruct such movement. Applying a flexible electrical wiring 28 in alarge bend is known as a suitable embodiment for allowing a movement ofa moveable element while maintaining the electrical connection.Moreover, in an embodiment, a flexible cable carrier, like a chainedcable carrier, may be used to guide the movement of the electricalwiring. A person skilled in the art is believed to be able to design asuitable electrical wiring connection allowing the glass panel 2 a tomove over its predetermined range.

In another embodiment, a releasable connection may be provided suchthat, when the moveable panel is in its position of closing an openingin the roof of the vehicle, the electrical connection is established forsupplying electrical power, or the like. When the moveable panel movesto an open position, the electrical connection may be released. As soonas the glass panel moves to an open position, the lighting device ismoved from its original position. It may be considered that the lightingdevice cannot illuminate a passenger compartment of the vehicle in suchan open position and, therefore, the power supply may be cut off.

In a more particular embodiment, the releasable connection may beprovided, while a power storage like a rechargeable battery, or thelike, may be provided on the glass panel and connected to the lightingdevice such that upon cutting off the power supply the battery maysupply power to the lighting device, while upon restoring the powersupply connection the battery may be recharged.

It is noted that, for sake of brevity, certain aspects and alternativeembodiments have been described in the scope of one or more of the firstto seventh embodiments, but not for each and every embodiment. It willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that such aspects andalternatives described in relation to one embodiment may be combinedwith one or more of the other embodiments. Such combinations areherewith disclosed.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the present invention in expectedly anyappropriately detailed structure. In particular, features presented anddescribed in separate dependent claims may be applied in combination andany advantageous combination of such claims are herewith disclosed.

Further, it is contemplated that structural elements may be generated byapplication of three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques. Therefore,any reference to a structural element is intended to encompass anycomputer executable instructions that instruct a computer to generatesuch a structural element by three-dimensional printing techniques orsimilar computer controlled manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, anysuch reference to a structural element is also intended to encompass acomputer readable medium carrying such computer executable instructions.

Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to belimiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of theinvention. The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one ormore than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two ormore than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at leasta second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, aredefined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term coupled, as usedherein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly.

The invention being thus described it is apparent that the same may bevaried in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of avehicle, the glass panel assembly comprising: a glass panel comprisingan interior main surface, the interior main surface of the glass panelbeing configured to be directed to a passenger compartment of thevehicle; a frame adhered to the interior main surface, the framecomprising a shaped element, wherein the shaped element is one of arecess and a protrusion; an elongate lighting device mechanicallyretained at the frame by a mating shape engaging the shaped element andwherein the lighting device is configured to directly illuminate atleast a part of said passenger compartment.
 2. The glass panel assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the frame is at least partially formedfrom a cured polymer-based composition.
 3. The glass panel assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a rigid supportelement.
 4. The glass panel assembly according to claim 3, wherein therigid support element is embedded in a cured polymer-based composition.5. The glass panel assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rigidsupport element comprises an elongate recess and wherein the rigidsupport element is embedded in the cured polymer-based composition suchthat the elongate recess is open and forms the shaped element of theframe.
 6. The glass panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein theshaped element is elongated and extends along a length direction of atleast a part of the frame.
 7. The glass panel assembly according toclaim 6, wherein the shaped element is an elongated recess extendingbetween the interior main surface and the frame along a length directionof at least a part of the frame.
 8. The glass panel assembly accordingto claim 6, wherein the shaped element is an elongated recess in theframe along a length direction of at least a part of the frame.
 9. Theglass panel assembly according to claim 1, wherein the shaped elementand the mating shape have a corresponding shape to provide for aform-fitting engagement.
 10. The glass panel assembly according to claim1, wherein the elongate lighting device comprises an elongate lightguide and wherein the shaped element is a recess, the elongate lightguide being clamped in the recess.
 11. The glass panel assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the elongate lighting device comprises acarrier, the carrier comprising a coupling element, the coupling elementhaving the mating shape.
 12. The glass panel assembly according to claim11, wherein the elongate lighting device comprises an array of lightsources and a diffusing element arranged between the array of lightsources and the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
 13. A method ofmanufacturing a glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, themethod comprising: providing a glass panel comprising an interior mainsurface, the interior main surface of the glass panel being configuredto be directed to a passenger compartment of the vehicle; adhering aframe to the interior main surface, the frame comprising a shapedelement, wherein the shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion;providing an elongate lighting device, the lighting device comprising amating shape; engaging the mating shape of the elongate lighting devicewith the shaped element to mechanically retain the elongate lightingdevice at the frame, and wherein the lighting device is configured todirectly illuminate at least a part of said passenger compartment. 14.An elongate lighting device, the lighting device comprising a carrier,the carrier comprising a coupling element, the coupling elementcomprising a mating shape, wherein the mating shape is configured to beengaged with a shaped element of a frame of a glass panel assembly. 15.A glass panel assembly for use in a roof of a vehicle, the glass panelassembly comprising: a glass panel comprising an interior main surface,the interior main surface of the glass panel being configured to bedirected to a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a frame adhered tothe interior main surface, the frame comprising a shaped element,wherein the shaped element is one of a recess and a protrusion, andwherein the shaped element is configured for engaging a mating shape ofan elongate lighting device such to mechanically retain the lightingdevice at the frame and directly illuminate at least a part of saidpassenger compartment.
 16. The glass panel assembly according to claim15, wherein the glass panel assembly further comprises an electricalconnector for an electrical connection to the lighting device such tosupply electrical power to the lighting device.
 17. The glass panelassembly according to claim 15, wherein the shaped element is elongatedand extends along a length direction of at least a part of the frame.18. The glass panel assembly according to claim 15, wherein the shapedelement and the mating shape have a corresponding shape to provide for aform-fitting engagement.
 19. The glass panel assembly according to claim15, wherein the frame is at least partially formed from a curedpolymer-based composition.
 20. The glass panel assembly according toclaim 15, wherein the frame comprises a rigid support element.